New boss ousts eight Grubb & Ellis brokers. (James Fried, district manager of Grubb and Ellis of Florida Inc.)

After James Fried was named district manager of Grubb & Ellis' South Florida office in mid-October, he told the firm's commercial real estate brokers they had six months to meet his expectations or find a new place to do deals.

As of last week, eight brokers are looking.

Fried called the move a necessary step as one of the nation's largest commercial real estate firms continues its struggle for a solid foothold in South Florida.

One of the brokers who was let go, however, questioned Fried's management style.

Among the independent contractors fired were John Paul Rosser and George Hektner, both of whom left The Allen Morris Co. in 1995 to join Grubb …